Overdose Response and Harm Reduction Q & A with the BC Ministry of Health, the BCCDC & Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions

This episode is an audio only recording of an HSABC webinar recorded on April 28th, 2020. For the video and related materials, please go to hsa-bc.ca.


Dr. Daniele Behn Smith, Aboriginal Health Physician Advisor with the Ministry of Health, Justine Patterson, the Executive Director of the Overdose Emergency Response Centre at the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, and Jane Buxton from the BCCDC, will be on the line discuss the overdose response recommendations and provide more information for front line shelter workers and homelessness support agencies around harm reduction during COVID-19. 


Dr. Behn Smith works alongside, Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer. Dr. Behn Smith provides independent advice and support to the Ministry of Health on First Nations and Aboriginal health issues. In support of the Ministry’s strategic agenda, Dr. Behn Smith focuses on closing the gap in health outcomes between First Nations and other British Columbians.

Justine Patterson is a psychologist with 15 years of clinical and leadership experience in mental health and addictions. Before coming to Canada, Patterson worked in mental health and addictions in Australia.

Jane Buxton is a physician epidemiologist for hepatitis and the medical lead for harm reduction at BCCDC. She is also a professor and practicum director in the UBC School of Population & Public Health.

They talk to the HSABC team about on the ground applications of provincial guidelines for safe overdose intervention and harm reduction during COVID-19.